A vintage retreat in France

Pop in to the castle: Chateau les Carrasses in Languedoc opens in July

The Chateau les Carrasses in Languedoc opens its doors on July 23. Originally built in 1886 as a wine estate on the foundations of a rest stop on the pilgrimage route of Saint-Jacques de Compostelle, wine production ceased in 1988.

This almost Disneyesque turreted chateau with views overlooking vineyards, the Canal du Midi and the Pyrenees beyond, has been carefully restored into 28 one to three-bedroom private residences, most with terraces and 10 with private swimming pools.

The abandoned winery will be reinstated with the first vintage scheduled for this September and regular wine tastings are planned. Facilities include a bistro, infinity pool, tennis court, beach volleyball pitch, barbecue area and pétanque courts. Beziers airport is 30 minutes drive away, (fly Ryanair and Flybe).

Suites sleeping two to three from 114 per night, http://lescarrasses.com/